The Los Angeles Dodgers made their first round of roster cuts this past weekend as 20 players, including Brock Stewart and Dennis Santana, were either optioned or reassigned to Minor League camp.
While many of the organization’s top prospects performed well in their time on the Major League side of Camelback Ranch, with Opening Day just over two weeks away, the focus now shifts on getting expected regulars fully prepared for the start of the season.
The Dodgers appear to have made some more cuts on Monday, as according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Walker Buehler, Max Muncy and Manny Bañuelos’ lockers were all emptied:
Walker Buehler and Mark Lowe apparently sent down, as their lockers are being cleared.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 12, 2018
Manny Banuelos and Max Muncy also have cleared out lockers.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 12, 2018
Buehler, the organization’s top prospect, will likely begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City as the Dodgers want to limit his innings in his second full year removed from Tommy John surgery.
He began the spring with a minor back issue, but he made one Cactus League appearance recently and looked dominant, striking out five in two innings against the Chicago Cubs. Buehler is still scheduled to pitch on the Major League team on Friday.
Muncy has swung the bat well for the Dodgers this spring, hitting .286/.333/.571 in seven games, catching the eye of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, in particular. Muncy is dealing with a minor oblique strain, so he will continue to rehab over on the Minor League side of camp.
Bañuelos struggled a bit this spring in his seven appearances, giving up 11 hits and seven runs across 7.2 innings (8.22 ERA). The 26-year-old has some big league experience though, so he is capable of providing the Dodgers with some depth this season if needed.
Lowe reportedly was released by the organization and will pursue other opportunities to continue pitching.
The Dodgers also announced after the game that Edward Paredes, Rob Segedin and Will Smith were all also sent back to Minor League camp as well.
